Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

Easily one of the most recognizable automotive icons of the last half century, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has long epitomized elegance and performance in the grand touring coupe/roadster segments. From the early 300SL models of the 1950s to the present-day retractable hardtops, this two-seater has never wavered from offering the best that Mercedes-Benz could offer.

Regardless of what SL vintage you're considering, you can be certain it will have cutting-edge technology and a comfortable cockpit. The downside to packing in all those safety and luxury features is that the SL typically weighs 2 tons or more. So even though it boasts strong performance and handling, a Benz SL isn't going to feel nimble in the vein of a pure, elemental sports car. Nor does all of this excellence come cheap. But for most shoppers, particularly those looking at the current generation, the SL is hard to beat.

Current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class luxury roadster has been one of our editors' favorite vehicles of any sort. With a beautifully integrated retractable hardtop that requires just the touch of a button to raise or lower, the latest SL offers the fun of an open roadster along with the security and quiet comfort of a closed coupe.

All current Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are rear-drive. Even the least potent SL, the SL550, sports a 5.5-liter V8 with 382 horsepower. Next up is the SL63 AMG, which features a honking 6.2-liter V8 making 518 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque. Should these prove inadequate, there is the V12-powered SL65 AMG with its 604 hp and 738 lb-ft, enabling a 0-60-mph sprint of just 3.9 seconds.

Handling is also a strong point, with Active Body Control (optional on some trims) keeping the SL eerily flat when ripping through a set of S turns. This athleticism doesn't come at the expense of ride comfort either, as the SL absorbs nasty bumps in the road without drama or excess body motion.

With its effortless performance, adaptive suspension, fast-retracting hardtop and wealth of luxury and safety features, we've found it easy to fall in love with the latest SL. Our complaints are few, centering chiefly on the SL's older version of Mercedes' COMAND interface, which uses a dash-mounted multidirection button pad rather than the more ergonomic console-mounted knob of newer Benzes.

Potential buyers should note that there will be an all-new SL-Class for 2012.

Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Models
Upon the current generation's release for 2003, the SL lineup consisted of just the SL500 (5.0-liter V8 with 302 hp), but it was joined by the supercharged SL55 (493 hp) a few months later. The V12-powered SL600 (also making 493 hp) debuted in 2004, as did a seven-speed automatic for the SL500. The SL65 bowed the following year. For 2007, the SL500 was replaced by the SL550, while there were power bumps for the SL55 and SL600 (both 510 hp). These models prior to 2009 had different, less aggressive styling than the current car, along with older generations of Mercedes electronics interfaces.

For 2009, the SL63 supplanted the SL55 and was joined for one year by the hyper, low-volume SL65 AMG Black Series. There was no 2010 SL-Class, and the SL600 was discontinued at the same time.

The 1990-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class offered six-, eight- and 12-cylinder engine choices. Prior to 1994, the cars were named slightly differently, as the numbers came before the letters. Six-cylinder cars (300SL and SL320) made 228 hp, the 500SL/SL500 offered 322 or 302 hp (depending on the year) and the 600SL/SL600 made 389 hp. The sixes could be matched to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, while the V8 and V12 versions initially came with a four-speed automatic only. (They were upgraded to a five-speed unit in 1996.) Apart from a navigation system, these cars could be had with most any luxury and safety feature, such as dual-zone climate control, integrated cell phone, HID headlights and stability control.

Although this generation of the Mercedes SL offered spirited performance, decent handling and plenty of luxury, the driving dynamics proved disappointing to our staff. The culprits were steering that felt somewhat loose on center, a platform that lacked this marque's typically solid feel (giving rise to interior squeaks) and brakes that, although strong in panic situations, felt mushy in normal use. At the time, we also felt the Benz SL was overpriced compared to other competing luxury roadsters, though depreciation has largely negated this potential drawback.

With a run that lasted 18 model years, the 1972-'89 SL was much simpler, both in terms of the vehicle itself and trim levels, than the ones that followed. This Mercedes-Benz SL was powered by various V8 engines, starting with a 4.5-liter (around 180-200 hp), changing to a 3.8-liter of just 155 hp and then adopting a stout 5.6-liter (227 hp) for the final years. The names of these SLs went from 350SL (only for 1972) to 450SL, 380SL and then 560SL. Although you may see a 500SL advertised, be warned that it's a gray-market car, a European version modified by some unknown shop to meet U.S. emissions and crash standards. For obvious reasons, we recommend you steer clear of a gray-market example.

Enthusiasts interested in older generations will want to explore Edmunds' Model History section for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

For more on Past Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models, view our Mercedes-Benz SL-Class History page